Abstract

The present invention relates to a tethered aerial system comprising its own means for generating electrical energy, preferably a fuel cell, for powering on-board electronics. In addition, the present invention describes a tether cable (3), comprising non-conducting elements, with features which render the cable less conductive than air. In addition to the mechanical properties of the cable, other features are disclosed, for example a pneumatic feature, the cable comprising a pipe for the passage of gas, which maintains the flow of gas to the fuel cell and/or maintains the gas level in a lighter-than-air platform, so that the tethered aerial system can remain operational for an extended period of time of more than one month and possibly even for years. The subject matter disclosed is particularly applicable in the fields of communication links in remote areas, agriculture and applications in the IOT (Internet of Things), event coverage, interactive marketing, and as a post-disaster solution, for example where there is commonly a lack of access to data, voice or Internet traffic, in rural areas and at mining sites or construction sites in remote environments. The present invention also has the significant advantage of being immune to rays.

IPC Classes  ?

• B64B 1/50 - Captive balloons
• H02N 3/00 - Generators in which thermal or kinetic energy is converted into electrical energy by ionisation of a fluid and removal of the charge therefrom
• B64B 1/66 - Mooring attachments
• B64F 1/14 - Towers or masts for mooring airships or balloons

Abstract

A mooring device is disclosed for an airship. The mooring device comprises a lower module including a plurality of resting structures configured to sustain the mooring device to a substrate; and an upper module mounted to the lower module along a vertical axis of the upper module and configured to rotate with respect to the lower module, the upper module including: (1) a winch with a shaft configured to rotate; (2) a support structure supporting the winch; and (3) a cable passing member, the cable passing member having first and second arms mounted to the shaft and configured to pivot independently with respect to the shaft; (4) a drum mounted to the shaft between the first and second arms and configured to rotate in response to the rotation of the shaft, thereby enabling a cable to be wound and unwound as the drum rotates.

IPC Classes  ?

• B64F 1/14 - Towers or masts for mooring airships or balloons
• B66D 3/26 - Other details, e.g. housings
• B66D 1/38 - Guiding, or otherwise ensuring winding in an orderly manner, of ropes, cables, or chains by means of guides movable relative to drum or barrel
• B64B 1/66 - Mooring attachments

Abstract

Airship-mooring device (1) comprising an upper module (2) and a lower module (3) and having freedom of movement in respect of its horizontal and vertical axes.

IPC Classes  ?

• B64B 1/66 - Mooring attachments
• B64B 1/70 - Ballasting arrangements